Obama hosts Super Bowl-winning Seahawks at White House

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks received a rousing welcome Wednesday at the White House during a historic visit with the president.

President Obama hosted the team and congratulated players and coaches for their triumphs in the field and their contributions to their community.

And of course there was a mention of that 43-8 Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos.

"We are here to celebrate the first Super Bowl victory for the city of Seattle," President Obama said as he introduced the team to a cheering crowd.

Noting that some football analysts didn't see Seattle as a top-tier tem, Obama said he always roots for the underdog because, quote, "seeing folks overcome the odds excites me."

The Seahawks boarded buses at the VMAC facility in Renton on Tuesday afternoon for the trip to Sea-Tac Airport. As team members boarded a chartered plane, a massive banner loomed in the background reading "Go Hawks."

Along with meeting the president, Earl Thomas, Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and others are scheduled to meet with First Lady Michelle Obama.

As the team made its way to the ceremony, wide receiver Doug Baldwin tweeted, "Michelle, here I come ... l-m-a-o."

Coach Pete Carroll tweeted, "everyone is excited ... we are very proud to represent the 12s in DC. Go Hawks."

Richard Sherman wrote, "excited to visit the White House with the whole team."

And quarterback Russell Wilson tweeted, "I can't wait to go to the White House with my amazing Seahawks teammates ... you get out what you put in."

Long snapper Clint Gresham posted a picture with the title "new haircut cuz I gotta look good at the White House."

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